<*£} 


I 


THE  ROBERT   E.  COWAN  COLLECTION 

l-RKSi   VI  1.1.     l<>    THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 


C.  P.  HUNTINGTON 

cJUNE,  18Q7. 

Recession  No.  A7 (nS>  /      Class  No. 


:^-^>l 

in 


University  of  California  •  Berkeley 


^•^H^^^TC^ 

1 


''  ^s®®®®^®**®®*^^*®*^^®; 


5O 


CALIFORNIA, 


A    POEM. 


BY    AUGUSTUS    HOGG. 


The  most  gorgeous  gem  that's  in  Nature's  diadem, 
The  country  of  devoted  women,  courageous  men  ; 
Columbia's  youngest  child,  the  darling  of  the  brood, 
And  mistress  of  the  mountain,  plain,  and  western  flood. 


SAN    FRANCISCO: 

PKINTKJD  BY  M.  WOLFE,  133  CLAY  STREET. 
1857. 


<  ;fv^«\~ ~  T/  >T<  >T! .~ .  ~ 


CALIFORNIA, 

\ 

A    POEM. 


BY    AUGUSTUS    HOGG. 


•v.  v 


The  most  gorgeous  gem  that's  in  Nature's  diadem 
The  country  of  devoted  women,  courageous  men  ; 
Columbia's  youngest  child,  the  darling  of  the  brood, 
And  mistress  of  the  mountain,  plain,  and  western  flood. 


SAN   FKANCISCO  : 
PRINTED  BY  M.  WOLFE,  133  CLAY  STREET. 

1857. 


IV  PREFACE. 

but  the  protection  it  affords  against  crime;  for  it  is  well 
known  no  great  criminal  has  had  the  faculty  large,  and 

No  poets  e'er  sung  in  praise  of  crimes  or  chains, 
Nor  shall  while  in  them  a  spark  of  Heaven  remains  ; 
Their  mission  to  man  is  to  exalt  and  humanize, 
Lift  him  from  the  low  earth  to  the  lofty  skies. 

It  is  a  sentiment  which  parents  should  implant  and  train 
in  the  minds  of  their  children,  to  observe  and  admire  every 
thing  in  nature,  for  there  all  is  divine  and  perfect.  Man 
alone  has  degenerated  since  the  Creation,  and  the  future  of 
California  depends  greatly  on  the  influences  which  surround 
the  young,  and  their  welfare,  already  too  much  neglected,  is 
a  subject  for  serious  reflection  to  every  lover  of  his  kind. 

I  might  have  softened  some  expressions  and  made  others 
less  harsh,  but  believing  as  I  do  that 

We  must  probe  the  wound,  the  pain  endure, 
Ere  the  fest'ring  sore  can  heal  or  cure ; 

It  is  better  to  apply  the  proper  remedies  than  suffer  the 
disease.  Whatever  is  uttered  is  said  without  passion  or 
prejudice;  belonging  to  no  sect  or  party  I  have  observed 
passing  events  with  the  eye  of  a  philosopher,  rather  than 
the  partial  view  of  the  politician. 

Whether  the  Poem  has  any  literary  merit  or  not  must  be 
decided  by  the  public  and  the  critics,  and  I  will  leave  it  in 
their  hands  on  relating  a  little  story  of  some  countrymen 
who  were  advised  into  plans  by  sharpers,  requiring  the  out 
lay  of  funds.  Sorely  tempted  by  the  specious  but  half- 
divulged  schemes  of  the  latter,  which  they  were  afraid  to 
reject  and  dare  not  accept,  they  applied  to  a  wit  for  advice 
who  after  receiving  their  tale  replied  :  "  Hear  all  the  rascals 
have  got  to  say,  but  hold  fast  your  money ;"  and  my  advice 
to  the  public  in  this  case  it 


Read  all  the  critics  about  it  write, 
Don't  give  up  your  own  opinions  quite  ; 
And  adieu,  farewell,  good-bye,  good  night, 
Sweet  thoughts  and  dreams  on  all  alight. 


San  Francisco,  Nov.  17th,  1857. 


CALIFOKJSTIA, 

A   POEM. 


CALIFOKNIA. 


PART   I. 

THE  new  and  wondrous  nation  of  magic  birth, 
The  centre  and  the  Eden  of  the  earth, 
The  land  of  matchless  bays,  majestic  peaks, 
Through  which  th'  Omnipotent  sublimely  speaks 
Of  strength  and  goodness,  wisdom,  power  divine, 
Possess'd  forever  to  last  eternity  and  time. 
Along  thy  shores  the  Pacific's  waters  lave, 
In  peaceful  triumph  and  with  gentle  wave. 
Italian  skies  above,  the  brightest  blue, 
Adorn'd  with  clouds  of  most  brilliant  hue. 
The  grandest  vallies  stretch  beyond  the  sight, 
And  fill  the  mind  with  wonder  and  delight. 
Broad  rivers  roll  from  the  mountains'  side, 
Sweep  through  plains,  then  mingle  with  the  tide ; 
In  a  capacious  bay  on  whose  stately  breast 
The  commerce  of  a  world  might  safely  rest. 
Trees  of  gigantic  growth  of  darkest  green 
Are  on  the  distant  snow-clad  summits  seen. 
Dazzlingly  sublime  is  the  perpetual  snow 
In  brightness  when  on  it  the  sun  doth  glow. 
Wildly  beautiful  are  the  gorges  and  ravines, 
Strewn  with  many  rocks  in  these  stupendous  scenes. 
Far  from  the  Sierra's  peaks  the  hills  appear, 
On  which  great  nature's  mighty  fabrics  rear. 


8  CALIFORNIA. 

Between  arc  vales  where  wildest  flowers  rise 
Earth's  sweetest  offering  to  the  placid  skies. 
Torrents  and  waterfalls  adorn  the  varied  scene, 
Now  smooth  and  rough,  soft,  savage,  and  serene. 
Unrivall'd  clime,  of  lovely  nights  and  days, 
Thy  sun,  moon  and  stars,  well  the  sight  repays. 
The  balmy  air  to  all  rich  blessings  yield, 
Of  health  to  man,  and  creatures  of  the  field. 
The  fertile  soil  gives  forth  large  supplies 
Of  grains  and  fruits  of  each  shape  and  size. 
Wild  fowls  in  myriads  swarm  of  every  kind, 
Fish,  in  the  streams,  a  liquid  home  they  find. 
Animals,  such  as  the  bear,  wolf,  and  deer, 
Roam  in  the  forest  and  plains  without  fear. 
The  natives  of  the  land  are  the  Indian  race, 
With  low  receding  forehead,  unmeaning  face. 
They  spear  salmon  and  hunt  the  deer  for  food, 
Gather  acorns  and  insects  in  the  silent  wood  : 
Missionaries  came,  taught  them  how  to  pray, 
To  reverence  the  cross,  God  to  love,  obey. 
Such  were  the  scenes,  before  the  tale  was  told 
That  its  remote  shores  was  a  place  of  gol cf. 
At  first  the  startling  news,  small  credence  gains, 
The  reporters  scarcely  thank'd  for  their  pains, 
But  more  truthful  does  the  report  become, 
Spread  by  the  Press  to  every  ear  and  tongue  ; 
Most  still  doubt,  but  some  believe,  and  these 
Sell  lands  and  goods,  rush  to  unknown  seas, 
In  barks  scarce  fitted  to  meet  a  single  gale, 
But  dauntless  the  goldhunter,  and  knew  no  fail. 
Many  to  reach  it  start  teams  o'er  deserts  wild, 
Travel  the  vast  continent  with  wife  and  child ; 
The  rest,  journey  the  Isthmus'  deadly  clime, 
To  get  there  easiest,  in  the  shortest  time  ; 
Some  suffered  ev'ry  hardship  ere  they  found 
Themselves  set  on  California's  golden  ground  ; 


CALIFORNIA. 

Others,  who  left  their  native  shores  and  skies, 
In  hope  of  future  fortune,  on  the  way  dies. 
Arrived  on  the  long  wished,  sought  for  shore, 
They  quit  the  ship  that  have  so  far  them  bore, 
With  regret  to  part  from  their  floating  home, 
In  which  they  might  further  o'er  the  world  roam. 
But  such  thoughts  don't  long  distract  the  mind, 
To  land  they  turn,  a  new  home  there  to  find ; 
What  sights  doth  attract  their  ardent  gaze 
In  the  Eldorado  please  or  amaze ! 
'Tis  summer,  and  the  hills  are  bleak  and  bare, 
Clouds  of  sand  and  dust  are  borne  in  the  air, 
By  wind  that  comes  rushing  through  the  strait, 
Which  forms  the  port  called  the  Golden  Gate, 
The  streets  were  as  nature  made,  sand  and  clay, 
Some  wound  o'er  hills  and  others  round  the  bay. 
A  few  houses  built  before  the  mighty  change, 
Were  all  that  graced  them,  and  singly  range, 
Fluttering  along  the  shore  in  evening  gale, 
Were  long  rows  of  tents  white  as  a  boat's  sail , 
This  was  once  the  place  whose  future  is  to  be 
The  Queen  of  Commerce  and  the  western  sea. 
From  her  fam'd  port  a  thousand  ships  shall  sail, 
And  on  the  vast  Pacific  catch  the  rising  gale. 
People  from  all  nations  come,  the  English,  Dutch, 
Americans  most,  French,  Spanish,  and  all  such 
As  scour  rough  seas  in  search  of  hidden  treasure, 
Which  to  gain  endure  hardship  without  measure. 
A  new  era  dawns  upon  the  land  of  the  west, 
Gold  is  found — the  soil  knows  no  more  rest ; 
Towns  and  cities  spring  up  almost  in  a  day? 
Some  grow  and  flourish,  others  droop,  decay. 
Then  rose  Benicia,   who  in  pride  did  aspire, 
To  be  the  chief  port,  and  the  modern  Tyre, 
But  San  Francisco  her  rival  had  the  start, 
And  would  riot  from  her  proud  destiny  depart, 


10  CALIFORNIA. 

Sacramento  and  Stockton,  were  built  on  the  plain, 
Fires  have  destroyed  them,  but  were  rebuilt  again- 
Civilized  man  spread  along  the  desert  shore, 
Where  none  but  the  wolf  and  Indian  trod  before. 
Steamers  soon  took  the  place  of  sail  and  oar, 
And  swiftly  the  goldseekers  onward  bore, 
To  the  mines  where  gold  was  to  be  found 
Sometimes  in  shallow,  others  deeper  ground  : 
Hard  must  they  work  before  it  greet  their  eyes, 
On  flinty  soil,  and  under  cloudless  skies  ; 
They  ply  with  zeal  the  shovel,  pick,  and  pan, 
The  end  of  each  washing  they  eagerly  scan, 
To  see  if  any  of  the  precious  metal  remains, 
To  encourage  and  reward  them  for  their  pains  ; 
Roughly  they  live  on  the  coarsest  fare, 
Sleep  on  the  ground,  breathe  the  midnight  air  ; 
Cut  off  from  the  world  and  friends  they  seek, 
To  spend  in  riot  the  sabbath  of  each  week. 
At  the  nearest  camp,  or  town,  in  drink  and  dice, 
Pursue  there  ev'ry  round  of  folly  and  of  vice 
That  offers,  it  matters  not  to  mention  what, 
Whether  it  be  to  make  a  gambler,  rake,  or  sot, 
The  glittering  gold  spreads  far  and  near, 
Creates  effects  that  fill  the  mind  with  fear. 
It  has  sent  through  the  world  an  electric  thrill, 
The  people  of  the  earth  shall  forever  feel, 
In  increas'd  value  for  products  of  the  soil 
The  poor  now  to  obtain  must  doubly  toil. 
But  labor's  free,  can  quit  th'  ungrateful  shore. 
Where  it  was  valueless  once,  enslaved  before. 
The  gold  is  quickly  carried  into  foreign  lands 
Arouses  millions  and  employs  their  hands. 
Goods  were  in  abundance  sent  and  people  too 
From  Australia,  China.  Chili,  and  Peru  ; 
And  California  thrived,  improved  became, 
The  wonder  of  the  world  in  fact  and  name ; 


CALIFORNIA.  11 

Civilization  extends  blessings  far  and  wide, 
O'er  mountain,  plain,  and  fruitful  river  side, 
Her  train  of  many  evils  too,  for  then  began 
Man  in  the  new  world  to  slay  his  fellow  man. 
Yes  !  the  awful  fact  with  regret  must  be  told, 
All  Crimes  are  too  common  in  the  land  of  gold. 
Churches  were  then  built,  in  them  was  heard 
Tho'  by  few  in  number,  preach'd  the  holy  word. 
Newspapers  flourished  with  strong  rapid  growth. 
Were  priz'd  and  patroniz'd,  deserv'd  them  both. 
All  things  then  came,  and  San  Francisco  stood, 
A  City  full  grown  in  six  months — before  a  wood. 
Vessels  discharged  their  cargoes  in  her  bay, 
By  launches  built  to  carry  it  from  them  away, 
To  their  anchors  swung  in  the  changing  tide, 
No  hands  to  heave  or  spread  the  canvas  wide. 
Boats  skimmed  o'er  the  waters  of  the  strand, 
Moved  with  sail,  rowed,  or  sculled  by  hand. 
'Twas  an  exciting  scene  of  bustling  thrift, 
With  some  hardship,  but  all  knew  how  to  shift, 
Dispense  with  comforts,  they  once  had  thought 
Ere  could  be  happy  must  to  them  be  brought ; 
The  streets  were  fill'd  with  goods  of  ev'ry  kind, 
That  man  can  make,  or  searching  for  can  find  ; 
The  most  came  from  Columbia's  Eastern  coast, 
Where  men  are  enterprising,  have  much  to  boast, 
Merchants,  mechanics,  mariners  crowd  the  street, 
Absorbed  in  plans,  will  not  each  other  greet, 
Except  on  business, — "  More  must  now  be  given, 
"  To  obtain  the  lumber  since  yesterday  it  has  risen." 
And  'twas  "  I'll  not  work  for  an  ounce  a  day, 
Or  ship  to  sea  without  the  best  of  pay." 
Thus  as  an  infant  the  new  born  city  lay, 
Cradled  in  the  lap  of  her  majestic  bay; 
When  the  seasons  chang'd  from  dry  to  wet,  then 
The  rain  in  torrents  fell  on  abodes  of  men ; 


' 


:2  CALIFORNIA. 

Few  had  good  shelter,  who  in  houses  dwelt, 
The  wind  blew  through  them  and  the  water  felt. 
Those  who  lived  in  tents  weak  things  to  stand, 
The  beating  wind  and  rain  and  shifting  sand, 
Had  not  a  dry  place  to  put  their  dripping  beds, 
Scarce  a  refuge  for  their  oft  uncovered  heads, 
As  storms  at  night  would  sometimes  blow  away, 
The  tents  and  expose  the  goods  to  coming  day. 
The  streets  grew  bad,  and  teams  in  them  would  stick, 
The  water  and  mud  were  both  so  deep  and  thick ; 
Sometimes  men  and  horses  fell  into  horrid  holes, 
And  were  rescued  with  long  ropes  and  poles  ; 
Inland,  the  rivers  swelled  with  heavy  rains, 
Rose  o'er  their  banks,  and  pour'd  along  the  plains  ; 
Spreading  dismay  and  ruin  where  cities  stood, 
And  the  whole  earth  was  covered  with  a  flood. 
The  people  soon  repaired  the  damage  done, 
No  trace  of  it  was  seen  by  the  spring's  sun. 
They  then  built  Levees  to  protect  their  homes, 
Through  which  now  no  more  the  water  roams. 
The  roads  to  the  mines  became  a  sea  of  mire. 
Teams  scarcely  had  for  any  sum  to  hire  ; 
Enormous  prices  were  paid  to  haul  a  single  load 
From  Stockton  or  Sacramento  to  hills  of  gold. 
The  miners  for  all  provisions  had  high  to  pay 
To  dealers  before  they  could  take  them  away, 
Oft  when  living  from  the  store  had  to  pack 
Pork,  flour  and  beans  homeward  on  their  back, 
O'er  steep  hills,  through  deep  ravines  and  snow, 
Did  those  courageous  men  on  journeys  go. 
Before  the  first  rains  came,  the  miners  made 
Themselves  content  to  sleep  by  fir  tree  shade, 
Wrapp'd  in  blankets,  they  have  soundly  slept, 
While  others  for  them  have  watcli'd  and  wept, 
But  now  they  purchase  tents,  these  though  thin 
If  sound,  would  not  let  much  water  in 


CALIFORNIA.  13 

They  firmly  set  them  on  elevated  ground, 
With  poles  to  hold  up,  and  cords  to  lash  down. 
Meanwhile  th'  Emigrant  who  has  started  late. 
Not  reach'd  the  Summit,  fears  are  felt  for  his  fate  ; 
That  he  will  not  before  the  winter's  weather, 
Stops  progress  and  prevents  him  altogether. 
He  has  journeyed  near  to  the  promised  land, 
Where  fortune's  to  be  grasped  with  sturdy  hand  ; 
Views  with  alarm  the  autumn's  threat'ning  skies, 
Urges  his  tired  team  again  and  faster  flies, 
He  strikes  the  mountain's  side,  which  if  once  o'er 
No  Indians  will  trouble,  he'll  sigh  no  more. 
Winds  slowly  round  the  long  and  dreary  hills, 
With  pain  pursues  the  road,  dreads  coming  ills  ; 
Wife  and  little  ones  cling  closer  to  his  side, 
The  sweet  innocents,  and  his  blooming  bride  ; 
They  bring  harrowing  thoughts  of  his  old  home, 
Ere  gold  disturbed,  the  world,  or  made  him  roam. 
More  keen  and  piercing  grows  the  mountain  wind, 
The  snow  thickly  falls,  and  he  scarce  can  find 
The  narrow  pass,  keep  on  the  dizzy  steep, 
The  waggon  wheels,  his  own,  or  catties'  feet. 
The  night  comes  on — they  hear  the  dismal  cry 
Of  famish'd  wolf — and  know  that  he  is  nigh. 
They  stop,  but  not  to  sleep  they  watch  and  pray, 
Await  with  anxious  hearts  th'  approaching  day. 
It  dawns  at  length— are  on  the  western  slope. 
Of  the  Sierra's  range,  they  bound  with  hope. 
The  long  long  joarney  is  nearly  finished,  done, 
The  golden  hills  are  almost  reached  and  won, 
Valley  of  the  Sacramento  seems  a  distant  sea, 
Grand  vast  and  magnificent  it  appears  to  be. 
Warm  friends  hail  them  rough  with  honest  toil, 
And  welcome  with  the  best  cheer  of  the  soil. 
They  rejoice,  converse  spend  half  the  night, 
Relating  how  with  Indians  they  did  fight ; 


14  CALIFORNIA. 

At  length  sink  to  sleep  and  dream  of  gold, 
The  strength  to  gain  it,  the  force  to  hold. 
Some  have  perish'd  who've  crossed  the  plains, 
With  Indian  arrows,  others,  by  cholera's  pains. 
Many  have  suiik  exhausted  in  the  drifting  snow, 
Benumbed  with  cold,  no  more,  can  nothing  know. 
Their  eyes  never  saw  the  enchanted  shore 
They  fondly  hop'd  to  reach,  and  leave  no  more  ; 
Their  bones  unburied  bleach  in  desert  wide, 
Unheralded  to  the  world  unknown,  they  died. 
They  nobly  strove  'gainst  Fortune's  fickle  face, 
Bore  all  ills  of  life  with  firmness,  but  disgrace ; 
And  When  at  last  their  breath  of  life  did  yield, 
Like  a  conquer'd  hero,  slowly  quit  the  field 
Of  this  strife,  sank  in  arms  of  friendly  death, 
Naming  loved  ones  with  their  latest  breath. 


PART    SECOND. 


The  morn  has  broke,  streams  of  rosy  light 
Comes  from  the  Sun  and  dissolves  the  night ; 
The  winds  are  hushed,  the  placid  waters  keep, 
The  stillest  silence,  all  nature  seems  asleep. 
Around  the  golden  city  the  week  has  just  begun, 
Few  have  risen,  and  none  thought  what's  to  be  done, 
Whether  to  remain  for  the  present  where  they  are, 
Or  else  seek  fortune  under  some  luckier  star, 
When  fearful  cry  of  fire  is  loudly  spread, 
Which  wakes  the  drowsy  sleeper  from  his  bed  ; 
All  rush  amazed,  alarmed,  unto  the  square, 
And  views  a  sight  that  frightens  them  there ; 


CALIFORNIA.  15 

The  city's  in  flames,  wreaths  of  fire  arid  smoke. 
In  fury  through  the  largest  buildings  broke, 
And  swiftly  spread  to  others  on  every  side, 
Houses  at  a  distance  for  their  fate  trembling  bide, 
The  fierce  element  soon  whole  streets  mows  down 
And  leaves  a  blackened  waste  the  budding  towo- 
Dismay'd  but  not  to  despair  do  people  sink, 
How  to  repair  damages  they  coolly  think  ; 
Materials  are  brought,  and  the  rebuilding  begun, 
Before  the  orb  of  day  has  his  meridian  run. 
San  Francisco  Phoenix  like,  from  ashes  rose 
More  beautiful  and  free  as  the  wind  that  blows  ; 
She  increased  improved,  prospered,  and  grew, 
Healthy,  profitable  to  live,  and  fair  to  view ; 
Men  from  many  countries  throng  the  streets, 
Scarce  two  of  them  in  the  same  language  greets  ; 
Different  costumes  attract  and  please  the  eye, 
Some  swiftly  sweep,  others  more  slow  pass  by. 
The  most  leave  for  the  mines,  to  labor  there, 
On  the  hard  earth,  and  breathe  the  mountain  air. 
Those  who  stay  behind,  live  by  uncertain  trade, 
And  pursue  it  'till  a  fortune's  lost  or  made. 
Others  roam  the  plains,  and  bays  to  hunt  and  fish, 
Supply  all  sorts  of  delicacies  for  the  dish. 
The  hardy  laborer  wheels  down  the  hills  of  sand, 
Levels  the  uneven  ground,  and  improves  the  land. 
Cuts  wood,  digs  wells,  unloads  ships,  achieves 
All  that  which  society  his  debtor  leaves. 
The  active  mechanic  skilful  hands  employ, 
To  "wield  the  sharpened  tools  his  utmost  joy. 
A  rchitects  survey  the  ground,  and  plans  devise, 
Materials  are  fashioned,  whole  structures  rise, 
Wharves  are  built  far  into  the  shallow  tide, 
And  the  largest  ships  may  float  by  their  side. 
The  nearer  hills  are  removed  to  the  bay, 
Before  waters  rose,  now  solid  ground  displa 


16  CALIFORNIA. 

Vessels  were  emptied,  floated  above  the  mud, 
And  on  the  firm  bound  earth  they  upright  stood. 
Into  stores  and  dwellings  were  quickly  made, 
Some  were  burnt,  none  found  a  watery  grave. 
Steamboats,  from  the  Atlantic  states  were  brought, 
A  passage  through  Magellan  straits  they  sought, 
Were  refitted,  and  on  the  inland  waters  shine, 
Of  California,  swift,  roomy,  safe,  and  fine. 
Police  were  organised,  who  the  city  kept, 
And  maintained  strict  watch  while  others  slept. 
All  charged  with  crime,  by  them  were  brought, 
And  tried  with  fairness  in  the  Alcalde's  court. 
Doctors  began  to  practise,  and  Lawyers  plead, 
Both  to  be  had  in  plenty  at  the  hour  of  need. 
Some  druggists  made  fortunes  in  a  little  while, 
By  selling  Quinine,  Laud'num,  and  Castor  Oil. 
Extensive  business  was  done  by  Auctioneers, 
Who  sold  from  ship  and  cargo  to  a  pair  of  shears. 
Gambling  was  then  pursued  by  high  and  low, 
And  many  from  it  did  the  seeds  of  ruin  sow. 
The  game  of  cards  called  Monte  was  in  vogue, 
Those  who  played  at  it  was  either  fool  or  rogue. 
The  dupe  tempted  by  heaps  of  shining  gold, 
Glit'ring  on  the  tables,  his  eyes  behold ; 
Bets  at  first  a  small  coin,  thinks  'tis  not  much, 
To  lose,  may  win,  besides  have  many  such. 
The  gambler's  eye  doth  estimate  the  man, 
Let's  him  win,  thus  bait  the  hook,  'tis  the  plan, 
To  draw  on,  and  he  stakes  and  wins  again 
Quite  overjoyed,  thinks  now  'tis  very  plain, 
He's  fortune's  favorite,  and  must  venture  more, 
And  let  success  waft  to  her  delightful  shore ; 
He  risks  much  further,  'tis  his,  the  winning  card, 
Who  can  say,  this  way  to  make  money  is  hard. 
The  gamesters  begin  to  think  he's  got  enough, 
Now,  from,  their  pile  of  deluding  yellow  stuff, 


CALIFORNIA.  17 

Shuffle  and  cut  the  cards,  know  how  to  feel, 
Which  one  to  show,  and  which  the  most  conceal ; 
The  dupe  bets  more,  for  he  has  largely  won, 
A  hundred-fold  more,  than  he  had  when  begun ; 
They  turn  the  trick,  'tis  against  him  but  yet 
This  is  first  loss,  he  has  made  on  any  bet ; 
Then  puts  down  heavier  sums  to  retrieve 
Their  loss  the  more  his  heart  they  grieve, 
Downcast  but  infatuated  to  game  he'll  stay, 
And  ventures  'till  all  his  money  wastes  away. 
Then  in  dismay  he  quits  the  accursed  hall, 
A  ruined  man,  and  ends  his  life  with  a  ball. 
Many  such  cases  in  our  annals  can  be  had, 
To  warn,  prevent  others  from  a  fate  so  sad. 
Let  virtuous  youth,  vigorous  manhood  shun 
The  fatal  game,  ere  yet  they  are  undone. 
So  too  with  drink,  the  man  who  daily  takes 
Draughts  of  strong  liquors,  reason  he  forsakes, 
Becomes  as  an  owl  in  the  noonday  sun, 
Or  fish  in  balloon,  when  flight  has  begun  ; 
From  using  rum,  brandy,  whiskey  and  gin, 
When  they  have  made  such  suffering  and  sin, 
How  many  who  have  fell  in  this  young  state 
By  intemp'rance,  the  number  dreadful  to  relate  ; 
Early  graves,  wretched  homes,  and  blighted  lives, 
Tells  a  tale  of  how  the  monstrous  evil  thrives. 
At  drunkards  humanity  shudders,  angels  weep, 
That  man  in  such  degradation  himself  will  steep. 
T'was  then  the  custom  of  the  land  to  take, 
Something  to  drink,  when  by  hand  would  shake ; 
Friends  in  meeting,  glad  to  see  each  other  again, 
Had  parted  ere  either  sailed  on  the  foaming  main, 
Now  both  were  met  after  many  storms  at  sea, 
By  the  golden  shore  where  each  desired  to  be  ; 
It  could  not  then  be  wrong,  but  it  was  right, 
To  rejoice,  and  each  others  success  to  plight. 


18  CALIFORNIA. 

Thus  unguard'd  youth,  by  easy  paths  would  stray, 
Become  what  they  were  not  in  virtue's  happy  day, 
Sink  slowly  step  by  step  in  their  own  esteem, 
Pursue  at  last  a  vicious  course  did  not  deem. 
It  is  shameful  a  father's  solemn  warning  to  despise, 
Or  wake  a  mother's  soul  to  heartborn  agonies. 
Few  virtuous  women  were  then  in  the  land, 
To  bless  and  assist  men,  with  heart  and  hand. 
Of  all  kinds  and  sorts  was  the  country  filled, 
It  grew  and  prospered,  soil  began  .to  be  tilled. 
Sonora,  was  then  founded,  in  southern  mines, 
Built  between  hills,  covered  with  lofty  pines ; 
Hangtown  also  a  thriving  place,  but  hateful  name, 
A  hundred  others  in  the  country  are  the  same. 
Why  are  not  some  sense  and  taste  displayed, 
Ere  to  new  places  such  dismal  names  be  made  ? 
In  this  land  of  golden  hills  fertile  vales, 
Lovely  scenes  and  seasons  sweet  sccnt'd  gales , 
The  Spaniards  called  by  a  spring  that  would  boil, 
Or  some  other  peculiarity  in  site  and  soil. 
Else  to  perpetuate  fame  of  a  reverenc'd  saint, 
They  named  the  new  town  their  virtues  to  paint ; 
And  are  now  as  just,  sonorous,  and  good, 
As  when  on  ground  the  first  day  they  stood. 
Why  should  fail  at  this  the  American  nation, 
Who  are  without  doubt  the  smartest  in  creation, 
A  score  of  names  in  each  state  confuse  the  miud, 
From  the  swelling  list  the  correct  one  to  find  ; 
Washington,  Jefferson,  and  Franklin,  are  names, 
Which  if  seldom  used  for  cities  add  to  the  fames 
Of  those  illustrious  men,  though  they  would  live 
Long  as  the  heart  had  a  generous  thought  to  give ; 
But  of  other  wretched  stuff  and  sickly  trash, 
It  disgusts  the  mind  like  a  stale  egg  or  hash. 
Names  for  places  should  be  short  and  simple,  sweet, 
Different  from  others,  chaste,  expressive,  neat, 


CALIFORNIA, 

Then  to  future  ages  shall  extend  our  fame, 
For  judgment,  wit,  and  beauty  in  the  name  ; 
Towns  and  cities  of  our  founding  shall  redound 
Something  to  us  by  their  names  of  pleasant  sound. 
Slow  sets  the  sun  towards  the  glowing  west, 
His  day's  labor  done,  tired  man  seeks  rest, 
When  cry  is  heard  resounding  far  and  wide, 
Brings  joyful  news,  the  steamer  has  arrived, 
Instantly  all  forget  fatigue,  rush  forth  to  find, 
Intelligence  of  friend,  relatives,  and  mankind  ; 
Letters  and  newspapers  are  eagerly  devoured, 
To  see  on  whom  fortune  smiled  and  lowered ; 
How  at  home  are  parents,  friends,  children,  wives, 
Those  who  give  the  most  pleasure  to  our  lives. 
And  when  the  time  is  come  for  her  to  depart, 
Onward,  on  the  homeward  trip  agaii\  to  start, 
Busy  the  day  before,  letters  to  write  and  send, 
To  father,  mother,  brother,  sister,  wife,  or  friend, 
In  them  are  told  good  and  evil  of  land  of  gold, 
What  money  made,  merchandize  bought  and  sold, 
Of  success  and  trouble,  health,  sickness,  sorrow, 
Dangers  and  delays  to-day,  prospects  to-morrow  ; 
That  comes  as  all  have  come  to  be  pursued, 
And  remembrance  of  it  to  be  relish'd,  rued  ; 
As  our  fates  have  then  been  sweet  or  sour, 
Esteem  it  a  happy,  or  an  inauspicious  hour. 
San  Francisco  is  destined  to  feel  again  the  fire, 
Once  more  in  devouring  flames  she  did  expire  ; 
But  was  rebuilt,  and  towering  to  the  skies, 
Blocks  of  substantial  buildings  grandly  rise. 
The  citizens  are  alarmed,  and  organise,  unite 
In  companies,  the  much  dreaded  visitant  to  fight ; 
The  rainy  season  is  on  the  decline,  and  those 
Who've  sought  the  city's  shade  now  purpose 
To  seek  again  for  gold,  and  they  sally  forth, 
To  make  the  earth  yield  up  her  mineral  worth. 


19 


20  CALIFNIORA. 

Some  start  for  the  new  diggings  Gold  Bluff, 
Where  gold  was  reported  on  the  coast  enough, 
T'  enrich  a  nation  could  it  separated  be, 
From  the  black  sand,  in  that  part  of  the  sea. 
To  reach  the  spot  was  along  a  foggy,  shore, 
Vessels  lost  their  way,  hear  the  breakers  roar, 
In  fearful  nearness,  when  they  sailed  and  fled, 
To  save  their  timbers  from  a  destructive  bed. 
Those  who  safely  reached  the  enchant1  d  shore, 
The  gold  was  so  fine,  to  get  it  baffled  sore  ; 
Many  left  again  wishing  they  had  never  been 
To  the  desolate  dangerous  spot  they  had  seen. 
The  spring  through  the  country  new  impetus  gives, 
Quickens  ev'ry  thought  and  feeling,  vigor  lives 
In  all  the  towns,  the  muddy  streets  are  dry, 
And  can  travel  comfortably  the  passer  by ; 
The  roads  to  the  mines  are  traversed  o'er, 
By  crowds  of  gold-seekers  more  than  before. 
Loads  of  provisions  are  to  the  miners  sent, 
Who  have  wintered  in  their  distant  settlement  ; 
Endured  all  hardship  that  man  can  brave, 
And  escape  narrow  confines  of  the  grave. 
Some  have  found  a  safe  resting  place  there, 
No  more  to  thirst  or  hunger,  burdens  bear  ; 
But  man  does  not  stop  for  his  brother's  fate 
He  living  presses  forward  through  the  gate, 
To  the  dark  shore  where  is  wisely  concealed, 
The  future  from  view,  nor  to  reason  revealed. 
The  last  of  time,  when  death  on  us  will  steal, 
Deprived  of  life  we  shall  his  power  feel. 
In  California  he  has  reaped  a  rich  feast, 
In  all  parts  of  the  land  been  a  frequent  guest, 
Want  and  exposure  often  bred  disease, 
Many  of  those  who  have  escaped  from  these, 
Have  found  in  assassin's  blade  and  bullet 
An  end,  as  they  pierced  brain  and  gullet. 


CALIFORNIA.  21 

Numbers  on  this  soil  have  met  such  fearful  end, 
God  grant  in  mercy  man's  manners  here  may  mend ! 
That  no  more  like  Cain  he  shall  his  brother  slay, 
For  robbery,  revenge,  in  night  or  open  day, 
And  let  the  public  frown  in  with'ring  scorn, 
The  wretch  should  wish  he  had  not  been  born, 
Who  for  no  other  reason  deadly  weapons  wear, 
But  to  play  the  coward,  bully,  and  excite  fear 
Of  the  unarm'd  or  dependant,  by  threats  or  blows, 
These  are  the  only  arguments  a  ruffian  knows. 
For  the  murderer,  justice  will  not  long  sleep, 
He  sees  the  victim,  conscience  on  him  creep, 
Days  pass  in  fear,  phantoms,  hang  round  the  bed, 
Will  not  vanish,  though  turns  his  restless  head; 
Life  becomes  a  curse,  he  either  ends  his  days 
By  his  own  hand  or  heaven  the  debt  repays, 
Evidences  of  guilt  are  produced  and  found,. 
He  is  tried,  convicted,  to  the  gallows  bound, 
Unless  has  wealth,  iniluence  to  awe  and  fee 
Those  who  try  him,  then  in  this  land  he'll  go  free, 
But  when  thus  escaped,   feels  most  secure, 
Danger  is  great,  lurks  nearest  to  the  door. 
God  has  heard  and  seen  the  farce  of  trial, 
His  fury  is  aroused  will  take  no  denial, 
Swift  justice  is  sent  from  th'  indignant  skies, 
By  some  dreadful  calamity  the  murderer  dies ; 
An  awful  warning  to  others,  let  those  who  read, 
Ponder  it  well,  ere  they  indulge  in  bloody  deed. 


PART     THIRD. 

THE  snow  and  frost  has  left  the  golden  ground, 
The  miners  make  fresh  efforts,  each  day  round  ; 
They  search  wider,  deeper,  for  the  shining  ore, 
That  must  clothe  and  feed  them  adding  to  their  store, 


22  CALIFORNIA. 

TTwas  thought  at  first  a  few  months  search  would  find 
All  which  did  exist,  and  leave  none  behind  ; 
The  country  would  return  into  a  wild  again. 
Be  worse  than  it  was  before,  in  mountain  plain. 
But  the  mines  more  worked  the  more  displayed 
And  of  giving  out  nothing  further  was  said. 
The  miners  prospered,  provisions  grew  cheap, 
From  fall  in  breadstuffs,  a  benefit  did  reap. 
Though  'twas  seen  the  mines  could  not  give  out, 
Men  declared  to  farming  none  would  set  about ; 
So  appeared  from  the  dry  and  parched  soil, 
No  crops  would  yield  reward  for  farmer's  toil ; 
'Twas  said  the  country  was  good  for  nought  but  gold, 
No  other  product,  from  it  could  be  raised  or  sold. 
But  the  land  was  tried  and  plough'd,  and  sowed, 
Did  yield  large  crops,  the  wild  oats  were  mowed  ; 
Fruits  had  been  brought  to  market  from  trees, 
Missionaries  had  planted  in  earlier  days. 
Herds  and  flocks  were  then  the  country's  wealth, 
Except  greater  blessing  of  perpetual  health. 
The  content'd  people  lived  in  patriarchal  style 
With  their  cattle,  and  each  year  feasted  awhile 
Their  patron  saints,  they  danced,  drank,  and  sung, 
With  bull  fights,  fandangoes  the  air  has  rung. 
The  music  and  merriment  kept  up  late  at  night, 
And  the  day's  enjoyment  oft  ended  with  a  fight. 
Gambling  with  them  was  a  most  besetting  vice, 
To  gratify  it,  arrangements  were  not  nice. 
Stretched  on  the  ground  before  a  blanket  spread, 
Would  sit,  play  at  cards  with  uncovered  head, 
The  livelong  day,  else  over  a  greasy  table, 
Lounge  and  drink  and  play  as  long  as  were  able. 
Were  expert  in  riding,  could  the  lasso  throw, 
Over  a  beast,  quickly  dispatch  him  by  a  blow 
In  the  neck  with  a  knife,  then  dress  and  pack 
The  carcass  away  on  their  horses  back. 


CALIFORNIA. 


The  women  are  pretty,  hospitable,  fair, 

Of  very  engaging  manners,  coal  black  hair  ; 

They  are  courteous  and  simple  to  a  stranger, 

Nor  deem  the  contact  causes  them  any  danger. 

But  their  race's  glory  's  gone,  have  scarce  a  home 

In  the  land,  where  once  could  boundless  roam ; 

A  new  people  have  possess'd  it,  ambitious,  young, 

And  oft  with  force,  the  grounds  from  them  have  wrung 

A  few  years,  the  Spanish  tongue,  and  Indian  face, 

Shall  disappear,  and  the  country  no  longer  grace ; 

It  seems  they  have  had  their  destiny,  day, 

And  like  the  bear  and  wolf  must  pass  away. 

Before  the  Anglo-Saxon's  tread,  as  active  life, 

Will  ever  absorb  the  passive  in  the  strife. 

The  world  ne'er  saw  in  any  period  or  place, 

A  land  peopled  by  such  an  energetic  race. 

Thrice  in  six  months  did  San  Francisco  burn, 

Three  times  to  build  again  her  citizens  return, 

Well  might  they  the  title  of  Undaunted  earn. 

The  news  spreads  to  every  nation  of  her  fate, 

And  brings  doleful  ruin  to  many,  sad  to  relate, 

They  rend  the  air,  curse  with  loud  cries  the  day, 

Which  tempted  them  to  send  their  goods  away, 

To  sell  for  gold  dust  on  the  Pacific's  shore, 

For  neither  gold  nor  goods  see  they  any  more. 

Some  consignee 's  found  it  convenient  t'  advise, 

Consignors  their  goods  in  value  would  not  rise, 

And  to  Auction  as  a  consequence  were  sent, 

There  brought  such  a  sum  for  freight  tVas  meant ; 

Or  else,  true  or  no,  were  burnt,  in  the  fire 

Of  May,  the  whole  consignment  did  expire. 

Others  never  troubled  any  accounts  to  give, 

Made  no  explanations,  the  owners  still  live 

In  doubt,  whether  perished  by  fire  or  flood, 

Or  lost  their  property  by  the  act  of  a  rogue. 


24  F^F       CALIFORNIA, 

Most  were  honest,  promptly  sent  sales  and  paid, 
The  monies  they  received  and  profits  made. 
The  first  Legislature  sat  in  San  Jose, 
A  pretty  place  built  at  end  of  the  extensive  bay. 
They  gave  more  time  to  eating  and  drinking, 
Than  to  the  country's  good  or  hard  thinking. 
Passed  in  session  some  bills,  then  adjourned 
From  which  many  in  the  land  have  since  mourned. 
One  was,  that  foreign  miners  licenses  should  pay, 
Ere  they  touched  ground  or  disturbed  the  clay  ; 
'Twas  folly  to  tax  labor,  which  maketh  yield 
The  products  of  the  mine,  the  forest  and  field, 
Supports  the  country,  gives  strength  to  the  land, 
Is  foundation  on  which  the  whole  fabric  stand. 
And  some  would  or  could  not  the  collector  pay, 
Then  from  their  claims  would  drive  them  away. 
Grievous  quarrels  and  fights,  disturbances  ensu'd, 
Blows  given,  weapons  were  often  bared  and  used  ; 
The  licenses  cost  more  expense  to  collect 
Than  money  yielded,  or  had  from  them  left. 
They  were  repeal'd,  the  country's  peace  restored, 
Again  the  miner  worked  without  being  bored. 
New  mines  discovered,  fresh  deposits  found, 
Some  on  mountains,  others,  in  vallies  down. 
In  San  Francisco  many  city  lots  were  sold, 
For  building  purposes,  or  to  speculators  bold ; 
Some  were  improved,  those  nearest  the  water 
Were  the  favorite  kind,  and  most  sought  after. 
Pile  driving  machines  made  a  constant  clatter, 
A  s  they  would  the  huge  logs  beat  and  batter. 
And  new  streets  extended  o'er  the  flowing  tide, 
Where  much  business  was  done,  many  did  reside. 
The  streets  and  houses  were  chiefly  built  of  wood, 
First  were  hollow,  in  them  in  the  middle  stood 
A  yawning  gulf,  in  which  many  accidents  were  m 
By  people,  some  drowned,  others  a  ducking  get. 


CALIFORNIA.  25 

To  Aldermen  of  city,  did  clearly  appear, 
Services  were  worth  six  thousand  dollars  per  year  ; 
Voted  it  to  themselves  from  the  people's  money, 
The  Mayor  had  no  less  than  ten,  which  was  funny. 
Citizens  at  that  grumbled,  replied,  their  time 
Was  worth  to  them  the  amount,  just  to  a  dime. 
Few  of  the  first  vessels  which  to  California  came, 
Ever  sailed  on  their  native  element  again  ; 
Too  old  to  stand  the  storm,  and  dull  to  sail, 
They  never  quit  port  or  feel  more  the  gale. 
To  shorten  the  passage  was  built  the  clipper, 
A  ship  just  suited  to  feelings  of  shipper  ; 
As  each  performance  made  by  them  were  known, 
To  construct  better  great  efforts  were  shewn, 
Until  in  ship  building  it  was  almost  thought, 
Perfection  was  reach'd  in  what  the  science  taught. 
They  have  done  much  good  service  to  the  land, 
In  bringing  swiftly,  large  cargoes  to  hand  ; 
When  discharged,  take  in  ballast,  and  pursue 
Their  way  to  China,  o'er  the  smooth  waters  blue  ; 
When  loaded  there  with  teas  and  silks  they  start 
Homeward,  and  from  all  foreign  coasts  depart. 
Return  to  their  native  port  as  fresh  and  clean, 
As  if  through  rude  storms  they  ne'er  had  been. 
How  much  is  owed,  and  grateful  ought  to  be 
Mankind,  to  th'  advent'rous  laborers  of  the  sea, 
Those  gallant  men,  and  glorious  sons  of  toil, 
Who  brave  the  deep,  to  guard  their  native  soil, 
With  daring  hands  the  wings  of  commerce  spread, 
To  bless  the  world,  and  earn  their  daily  bread. 
Small  vessels  navigate  waters  of  the  bay, 
Transport  goods  inland,  bring  back  wood  and  hay ; 
Coasters  along  the  shore  gradually  appear'd, 
Now  stand  to  sea,  then  nearer  the  land  steered. 
Fishermen  ply  their  calling  with  much  success, 
In  ocean  depths,  and  shallow  bottoms  no  less. 


26  CALIFORNIA. 

Coaches  ran  to  ev'ry  part,  and  carried  then, 
All  who  desired  to  travel,  both  mails  and  men. 
Bankers  from  the  miners  arid  traders  bought 
Their  dust,  in  return,  bills  of  exchange  sought ; 
To  send  them  for  goods,  or  support  the  lives 
At  home,  of  darling  children,  much  lov'd  wives. 
Courts  of  law  tried  causes,  decisions  made 
In  them  'tween  man  and  man  oft  bloodshed  sav'd ; 
Draymen  settled  in  city  were  well  employ'd, 
Though  frequently  with  high  charges  they  annoy'd. 
Women  and  children  in  land  began  t'  arrive, 
The  country  without  them  could  not  well  thrive. 
Schools  were  form'd,  the  young  taught  to  spell, 
Read,  write,  and  cipher,  and  to  do  them  well. 
Theatres  were  built,  scenes  from  Shakespear's  page, 
Played  to  suit  taste  of  enlighten'd  age  , 
That  man  that  matchless  man  in  heart  and  mind, 
Th'  union  of  goodness  intelligence  combin'd. 
Riots  in  Sacramento  began  about  land, 
They  were  subdued,  though  with  bloody  hand. 
California  was  admitted  to  th'  Union  as  a  state, 
At  which  rejoicings  every  where  were  great. 
And  Cholera  that  dreadful  disease  of  modern  day, 
Came  to  the  land,many  in  their  graves  from  it  lay. 
Miners  for  another  winter  commenc'd  to  prepare 
On  the  hills  comfortable  log  houses  to  rear. 
With  strong  arms  and  axes  and  many  a  blow, 
They  speedy  lay  giants  of  the  forest  low. 
Trees  that  have  for  ages  in  glory  stood 
The  tempests'  breath  as  it  hath  swept  the  wood, 
They  fall  with  strokes  make  the  earth  rebound 
By  their  weight,  and  stun  the  ear  witn  sound  ; 
They  are  then  cut  up  in  logs  of  proper  length, 
Laid  across  each  other  and  notch'd  to  give  strength'; 
The  walls  rise  a  few  feet  high,  and  the  roof 
Is  made  of  canvas  or  shingles,  waterproof. 


CALIFORNIA.  27 

The  chimney  is  built  of  slaty  stones,  and  clay, 
Not  high,  but  wide,  to  let  in  the  light  of  day. 
There  are  no  windows  a  solitary  door, 
That|is  made  from  boxes  strong  and  secure. 
The  ground  the  floor,  and  for  bedsteads 
Are  bunks  on  which  rest  the  miners'  heads. 
Within  reach  are  kept  the  pistol,  rifle,  knife 
To  be  used  when  wanted  in  chase  or  strife. 
A  pot  and  pan  for  him  boils,  and  bakes 
His  food,  which  is  of  beef  bread  and  cakes. 
Knives  and  forks,  plates,  dishes,  chairs  and  table, 
Has  none,  or  procures  many  as  he's  able. 
Thus  equipped,  lives  in  his  mountainous  home, 
Digs  for  gold,  though  sometimes  forth  he'll  roam, 
With  knife  and  rifle,  to  hunt  the  timid  deer, 
When  seen,  flies  from  him  with  surprise  and  fear ; 
Before  is  had  the  hunters  aim,  but  if  not, 
The  swift  animal  is  dispatch'd  on  the  spot, 
And  to  the  cabin  is  packed,  the  fallen  beast, 
Companions  gather,  and  join  him  in  the  feast ; 
They  sing,  carouse,  drink  to  distant  friends, 
Speak  of  the  joy  that's  to  make  amends 
For  absence  and  suffering  in  land  of  gold, 
Half  of  which  has  ne'er  to  the  world  been  told. 
When  fortune  smiling,  they  return  to  greet, 
Wives,  children,  parents,  the  blLs  how  sweet. 
The  Miners  unwearied,  labor,  bravely,  bold, 
Remove  mountains,  and  turn  rivers,  to  get  gold. 
Their  Herculean  efforts  to  extract  it,  excite 
Our  utmost  wonder,  admiration  and  delight. 
They  dig  long  ditches,  construct  flumes,  to  bring 
Water  into  diggings  from  mountain  spring ; 
Erect  mills  to  crush  the  quartz  stubborn  rock, 
Add  to  the  mass  quicksilver,  and  the  shock 
Unites  kindred  metals  quickly  into  one 
Which,  when  it  is  retorted,  the  work  is  done. 


28  CALIFORNIA. 

Too  oft  sad  accidents  fall  to  the  miners'  lot, 
Th'  earth  caves  in,  they  are  buried  on  the  spot. 
Trust  not  to  treacherous  banks  my  honest  friend, 
Prop  well  their  sides  ere  you  in  them  descend. 
Believe  'tis  the  madman's  act  to  part  with  life, 
To  get  yellow  dust  the  cause  of  so  much  strife. 
Think  of  wives  and  children,  and  friends  afar, 
To  hear  of  your  sad  fate  their  lives  'twill  mar. 
Not  by  miners  only  are  sad  disasters  met, 
To  travelers  they  come  in  form  more  dreadful  yet. 
The  steamboat  has  started  but  scarcely  feels 
Th'  opposing  tide  ripple  against  her  wheels, 
When  hurled  from  the  deck  in  empty  air, 
Are  human  bodies  seen  a  moment  there, 
And  most  deprived  of  life  they  fall  below, 
To  quit  for  better  or  worse  this  scene  of  woe. 
Aye,  many  in  this  State  such  fate  have  found, 
In  explosions  to  be  burnt  or  drowned. 
Why  entrusted  to  men  those  posts  who  drink 
In  excess  strong  liquors  ?  'neath  brutes  they  sink  ; 
Or  why  same  vessels  allowed  again  to  run, 
When  once  such  desolation  they  have  done  ? 
Worse  than  a  plague  are  the  boats  and  men, 
May  they  no  more  here  appear  again. 
Nor  are  guiltless  those  who  build  and  sell 
Crafts  that  are  unsafe  they  know  full  well. 
The  country  has  been  curs'd  enough  with  these, 
Who  to  make  money  will  do  what  they  please ; 
Regardless  who  sinks  and  swims,  right  or  wrong, 
Care  not  for  another's  ruin,  so  they  get  strong. 
The  day's  sport  is  o'er,  and  dull  sinks  the  sun, 
Night  comes  with  clouds,  city's  in  mourning  hung ; 
Wail  and  weep  do  those  who  lost  friends  on  board, 
The  stranger  at  home  shall  no  more  be  heard  ; 
His  relatives  shall  sigh,  and  to  inquirers  say, 
"  All  we  know  of  our  lost  one  he  sailed  away  ; 


CALIFORNIA.  29 

We  heard  he  safely  reached  the  Golden  shore, 
Had  started  for  the  mines,  and  know  no  more." 


PART    FOURTH. 


ANOTHER  wet  season  came,  not  so  badly  felt 
By  people  as  first  where  in  the  land  they  dwelt. 
The  streets  improv'd  and  graded,  sidewalks  made, 
Which  gave  great  convenience  to  life  and  trade ; 
Towns  already  formed  increas'd,  new  ones  laid  out 
So  many,  founders  didn't  know  what  were  about. 
Amusements  flourish'd,  society  grew  refined, 
To  study  style  in  dress  people  became  inclined  ; 
Markets  with  goods  were  glutted,  and  quite  cheap, 
Then  small  profits  on  thorn  did  shippers  reap  ; 
Excitement  about  the  country  began  to  cool, 
Many  a  one  who  ventur'd  thought  himself  a  fool  : 
The  steamers  plied  to  Panama,  and  they  bore 
More  people  from  California  than  to  her  shore. 
Some  had  made  fortunes  were  returning  home 
T'  enjoy  them  with  friends  and  no  more  to  roam. 
Others  sick  with  diseases  had  here  acquired, 
Pined  for  the  attendance  their  health  required ; 
They  knew  how  wretched  'twas  to  be  sick  and  feel 
There  were  no  friends  to  nurse,  by  bed-side  kneel ; 
No  fond  mother's,  sister's  arms  to  kindly  clasp 
Our  panting  form  as  for  breath  and  life  we  gasp, 
Or  supported  on  a  darling  wife's  distracted  breast, 
We  calmly  sink  in  death  to  our  eternal  rest. 
A  few  made  some  money  fresh  plans  matured, 
Hoped  the  rest  of  fortune  might  be  secured  : 
Some  returned  home  poorer  than  they  came, 
To  contend  with  the  country  had  not  the  game. 


30 


CALIFORNIA. 


\. 


The  production  of  gold  became  to  the  world  a  fact, 
Th'  amount  that  was  sent  each  steamer  known  exact. 
Papers  every  where  published  articles  of  news 
About  the  country  its  wonders  they  did  diffuse ; 
The  floods-  and  fires,  the  prodigious  prices  paid 
For  rents,  provisions,  the  fortunes  lost  and  made 
By  gambling  and  speculating  in  a  single  day, 
Have  risen  to  sight  or  vanished  quite  away ; 
The  heaps  of  gold  on  gamesters'  tables  seen, 
And  bags  of  "  dust"  the  miner's  once  had  been. 
These  and  a  thousand  other  tales  spread  o'er 
The  earth's  wide  surface  from  shore  to  shore  : 
California  became  the  object  of  all  eyes, 
Each  bound  of  progress  heard  with  surprise ; 
Her  marvellous  strides  they  said  could  not  last. 
Because  too  wonderful  astounding  vast. 
She  saved  from  bankruptcy  a  sinking  world, 
Her  gold  from  it  commercial:  ruin  hurled. 
At  first  all  were  honest,  and  none  durst  steal, 
For  fear  their  fate  would  be  to  halter  feel ; 
Hanging  for  stealing  was  the  plan  proclaiin'd 
Through  the  land,  and  all  believed  the  same  ; 
But  ne'er  executed  effects  'gan  to  wear  away, 
Thieves  from  pilfering  would  no  longer  stay ; 
Most  of  them  came  from  Australia's  sunny  shore 
With  reputations  somewhat  stained  before, 
When  gold  was  found  in  the  land,  hither  fled 
For  freedom,  and  to  gain  their  honest  bread. 
Temptations  were  too  great  long  t'  abstain, 
Th'  opportunities  offered  were  not  in  vain : 
In  the  beginning,  'twas  not  noticed,  they  grew 
Bolder  by  practice,  and  more  daringly  pursue. 
Their  pernicious  plans  arouse  the  people's  ire, 
'Twas  thought  two  of  tljcm  would  by  it  expire ; 
But  they  were  innocent  of  the  charge  and  saved 
'Twas  hoped  the  lesson  would  make  rest  behaved ; 


CALIFORNIA.  31 

But  vain,  for  more  often  did  robberies  become, 
All  said  that  something  must  and  should  be  done  ; 
Courts  and  police  were  had  the  public  to  protect, 
Their  lives,  and  property  the  rascals  to  detect ; 
The  villains  bribed  them  with  plunder  when  caught, 
Or  else  before,  and  then  they  were  never  sought ; 
Some  of  the  people  joined  in  hand  together, 
Into  a  Vigilance  Committee  with  which  to  tether. 
The  first  scoundrel  who  the  laws  broke  through, 
He  should  have  occasion  the  deed  to  rue : 
It  was  a  hardened  wretch  who  a  safe  stole 
From  a  store  by  cutting  in  the  floor  a  hole ; 
He  dropped  it  into  a  boat,  beneath  made  away, 
Was  seen,  pursued  and  captured  on  the  bay ; 
Brought  to  the  committee  rooms  and  tried, 
Convicted  of  th'  offence,  in  an  hour  he  died, 
By  hanging  at  midnight  on  the  public  square, 
And  suffered  penalty  with  composure  there  ; 
In  the  morn  'twas  the  theme  of  every  tongue, 
The  deed,  and  consequences  that  had  been  done. 
Some  spoke  of  it  with  censure  and  others  well, 
Believed  it  necessary,  would  the  evils  quell. 
The  Committee  stopped  not  but  followed  up, 
Blow  they  had  struck,  and  would  fill  up  the  cup 
Of  justice  to  villains  who  had  cursed  the  land 
With  violence  they  pursued  with  vigorous  hand  j 
Captured  many,  tried  and  hung  three  more, 
The  rest  they  banished  from  the  joyful  shore, 
With  the  promise  if  ever  again  returned, 
Would  receive  the  fate  they  had  so  justly  earned. 
Thus  from  direful  evils  the  land  was  purged, 
And  onward  in  her  glorious  course  she  urged, 
With  greater  speed  than  had  yet  attained, 
Nor  for  a  single  moment  still  remained 
Though  with  fires  were  swept  her  towns  away, 
People  start  to  build  again  the  same  day ; 


32  CALIFORNIA. 

Those  who  to  the  Eastern  states  had  gone. 
Spread  wonders  of  country,  were  forlorn 
To  be  back  again,  and  would  dare  and  brave 
The  Perils  of  the  route  in  clime  and  wave ; 
To  such  an  extent  had  th'  excitement  risen, 
That  People  from  the  deck  would  not  be  driven, 
But  sail  with  vessels  without  place  or  bed, 
Wherein  to  put  their  luggage  or  their  head. 
Goods  went  up  again  to  an  astounding  price, 
And  a  dozen  clippers  were  laid  on  in  a  trice. 
Emigrants  who  cross  the  plains,  now  more  wise, 
Start  earlier,  in  season  before  them  rise 
The  Sierra  Nevada's  peaks  ere  the  snow 
Is  begun  to  fall,  or  the  fierce  winds  to  blow ; 
And  to  the  Indians  they  are  prepared  to  give 
A  warm  reception,  if  molest,  not  long  they  live. 
The  mines  are  work'd  with  greater  care  and  skill, 
And  many  people  began  the  land  to  till ; 
Yields  every  variety  with  large  increase, 
Those  who  cultivate  it  thrive  and  live  in  peace. 
Gardens  were  laid  out,  vegetables,  and  flowers, 
Filled  the  markets,  decked  the  lovely  bowers  ; 
They  grew  with  luxuriant  growth  on  the  soil 
Of  California,  almost  without  care  or  toil. 
Cattle  multiplied  on  the  fertile  hills  and  vales, 
And  domestic  commerce  spread  a  thousand  sails 
On  the  rivers  and  creeks,  and  swelling  bays, 
The  Sloop  swiftly  sails,  or  at  anchor  lays, 
Waiting  the  wind  to  shift,  or  change  the  tide 
Like  a  lover  for  his  capricious  bride. 
In  the  hall  is  heard  music's  charming  notes; 
Floods  of  melody  pour'd  through  tiny  throats  ; 
Dancing  is  seen  at  ball-room  and  on  the  stage, 
Healthiest  enjoyment  and  delight  of  the  age. 
Lectures  and  concerts  were  given,  then  began 
Man  to  enjoy  himself  with  his  fellow  man. 


CALIFORNIA.  33 

Women  became  more  numerous,  with  her  smiles 
The  tedious  hours  of  man  she  well  beguiles. 
Children's  play  and  prattle  were  seen  and  heard 
In  the  new  world,  like  a  free  and  joyous  bird  ; 
They  jump  and  romp,  amuse  themselves,  and  play, 
In  happy  innocence  pass  their  time  away. 
Marriage  takes  place  and  birth  succeeds, 
Thus  the  country  gains  the  strength  she  needs. 
But  o'er  all  this  prosperity  there  grew 
A  storm  and  change  that  was  soon  to  ensue  ; 
Some  men  who  largely  borrow'd  and  spent 
In  bad  concerns  the  money  to  them  was  lent, 
Failed,  and  from  the  wondering  country  fled, 
To  hide  in  a  distant  land  a  dishonered  head  : 
The  poor  dupes  who  had  given  away  their  all 
To  sharper,  found  were  swindled  large  and  small ; 
The  discovery  wide  spread  ruin  made, 
Thousands  by  one  fell  blow  found  hopes  decay'd, 
With  loud  oaths  and  curses  they  rend  the  air, 
Some  from  man's  treachery  yield  to  despair. 
Nor  was  rascality  confined  to  private  men, 
Officers  of  the  State  stole  and  filched  again 
The  public  moneys,  bolted  from  the  state, 
To  spend  it  abroad  with  the  rich  and  great. 
Soon  too  the  banks  began  to  crack  and  break, 
This  made  the  people  fear  and  further  quake  ; 
At  first  but  one  suspended,  again  resumed, 
That  it  was  honest  all  thought,-  said,  presumed, 
Most  put  back  their  money,  then  came  the  final  crash, 
The  whole  fabric  tottered,  fell,  and  went  to  smash ; 
And  on  the  next  day  followed  several  more, 
Who  most  surprising  to  the  public  shut  the  door  ; 
Society  became  convulsed  swayed  to  and  fro, 
As  the  ocean  when  on  it  the  storms  doth  blow ; 
Then  were  seen  the  wrecks  which  strewed  the  shore 
Of  the  unhappy  land,  and  credit  was  no  more. 

D 


34  CALIFORNIA. 

But  one  of  those  which  sank  e'er  rose  again, 
A  noble  exception  from  the  crowd  to  name. 
Half  the  banks  in  San  Francisco  fell  as  falls 
Those  who  trust  to  rottenness- -quickness  appals  ; 
The  others  bravely  bore  the  rush  and  throng 
And  gave  to  each  what  did  to  him  belong. 
The  dreary  day's  done  in  the  dull  weather, 
Man  and  the  sun  sink  to  rest  together ; 
Each  wearied  with  baseness  of  the  waning  age, 
And  would  quit  forever  this  low  earthly  stage ; 
How  long  will  man  his  fellow  man  beguile, 
Betray  and  cheat  him  with  a  look,  a  smile? 
Long  as  knaves  and  fools  in  the  world  appear, 
Nature  seems  to  raise  a  new  crop  each  year  ; 
Some  will  not  reason  are  by  others  led, 
These  the  fools,  and  those  knaves  of  wiser  head. 


PART    FIFTH, 


THESE  were  blows  which  made  the  country  reel, 
And  th'  effects  she  long  shall  keenly  feel ; 
Abroad  speak  of  California  with  a  sneer, 
Treat  her  men  and  credit  with  many  a  jeer ; 
But  she  has  left  wealth  in  gold  and  lands, 
To  be  dug,  till'd  by  strong,  willing  hands. 
And  survived  the  shock,  the  storm  is  past, 
It's  ravages  though  great  shall  not  ever  last. 
The  miners  make  redoubled  efforts  to  retrieve 
Their  past  reverses  and  fresh  success  achieve. 
The  husbandman  ploughs  deep  the  fertile  field, 
Sows  with  fresh  seed  to  have  the  largest  yield. 
The  merchant  once  more  pursues  his  wonted  way. 
Embarks  in  speculations  he  deems  will  pay. 


CALIFORNIA.  35 

The  mechanic  selects  from  his  stock  of  tools, 
The  best,  proceeds  to  work  by  accustom'd  rules  ; 
Repairs  old  structures,  and  builds  many  new, 
Fresh  streets  rise  up  to  th'  astonish'd  view. 
The  laborer  though  humble,  honest  in  his  lot. 
Sees  with  joy  the  rising  bustle  from  his  cot : 
Not  long  without  his  services  can  they  do, 
He  joins  the  throng,  and  gladly  the  works  pursue ; 
Receives  on  Saturday  night  his  well-earned  pay, 
Hastens  home  t'  enjoy  in  rest  the  sabbath  day. 
A  new  order  of  things  reign  in  the  land, 
Houses  high  rent  no  longer  will  command ; 
And  city  lots  once  so  valuable  before, 
Will  not  bring  a  bid  in  the  auction  store. 
The  usurer  with  his  money  has  to  abate, 
His  interest  from  the  old  exorbitant  rate. 
Speculators  in  general  have  been  so  bit 
They'll  not  venture  much  for  fear  of  being  hit. 
Lawyers'  and  Doctors'  fees  are  not  so  great 
For  conducting  case  or  healing  a  broken  pate. 
Druggists  have  become  thick,  and  spoilt  the  trade, 
Selling  medicines  no  more  money's  made. 
Cabs  and  carriages  in  streets  long  have  run, 
Been  of  great  convenience,  much  service  done. 
Telegraphs  every  where  extend  their  power, 
News  is  to  be  had  from  all  parts  within  an  hour. 
Railways  are  constructed  the  rushing  car, 
Is  seen  whirling  through  the  plains  from  afar. 
The  country  progress'd  rich  again  became, 
Its  future  promised  one  of  wealth  and  fame  ; 
Though  frequent  crimes  and  many  failures  made, 
Life  insecure,  uncertain  course  of  trade, 
Sad  murders  were  committed  in  open  street, 
None  knew  how  soon  with  th'  assassin  might  meet ; 
None  suffered  by  quick  process  of  the  law, 
Except  the  poor  wretch,  for  him  it  had  no  flaw. 


36  CALIFORNIA, 

Armed  ruffians  were  hired,  put  in  the  way 
To  stuff  the  ballot-box  and  elections  sway ; 
All  was  corruption,  the  rogues  entirely  ruled, 
And  oppress'd  people  were  completely  fooled. 
They  mutter  threats  of  vengeance,  and  grief 
When  deep,  must  have  a  vent  to  find  relief; 
Borne  on  the  wings  of  time  it  speedy  came, 
An  esteemed  citizen  was  in  day  slain  ; 
The  murderer  was  carried  to  prison's  cell, 
But  not  for  long  was  he  doom'd  there  to  dwell ; 
The  people's  fury  was  again  arous'd  they  arm, 
And  in  the  streets  by  hundreds,  thousands  swarm, 
They  storm  the  building  walls,  break  in  the  doors, 
Demand  the  prisoners,  them  forthwith  secures ; 
Lodg'd  in  their  own  prison  the  two  they  keep, 
Until  the  victim  shall  sink  to  his  death  sleep. 
Then  the  scaffold's  seen,  the  mournful  knell 
Speaks  of  their  coming  fate,  and  too  well : 
They  ascend  the  fatal  tree,  make  short  speeches, 
In  a  moment  are  where  no  ills  of  life  reaches. 
The  people  keep  together,  are  as  one,  combined, 
Vigilance  Committee's  revived  in  heart  and  mind  ; 
Rogues  shrink  appall'd  before  the  storm  that's  risen, 
Some  fly  with  haste,  others  hope  to  be  forgiven ; 
They  are  captured,  confined,  in  prison  kept, 
When  the  steamer  sails,  from  the  country  shipp'd. 
With  the  same  promise  made  before  to  others, 
If  they  returned  the  halter  life  smothers. 
Two  more  murderers  from  the  gibbet  swung, 
A  ghastly  sight  and  warning  to  the  young. 
Not  to  indulge  in  fierce  passion's  fatal  sway, 
And  the  old  to  throw  deadly  weapons  away. 
The  city  mourns  her  dead,  and  respective  friends, 
Of  each  of  the  deceased  to  their  burial  attends. 
The  state  a  splendid  funeral  gives  her  fav'rite  son 
For  his  virtues  and  the  services  he  had  done. 


CALIFORNIA.  37 

Into  factions  did  the  land  divide,  and  then 
Were  known  Law  and  Order,  and  Vigilance  men. 
There  were  many  contests  between  them  both, 
Once  for  civil  war  'twas  thought  were  neither  loth. 
Th'  excitement  died  away,  the  Vigilants  disband, 
And  peace  reign'd  again  throughout  the  land. 
How  the  country  has  since  increased  and  grown, 
In  a  few  more  lines  will  soon  be  fully  shown. 
The  miners,  farmers,  lived  apart  from  the  scene, 
Though  most  were  with  the  movement  judg'd  between 
The  parties,  and  worked  with  plow  and  pick, 
Each  to  his  own  business  did  closely  stick. 
They  are  the  country's  pride  support  and  hope, 
For  both  with  hardest  labor  do  bravely  cope. 
The  one  spreads  her  fertile  fields,  flow'ry  plains, 
With  flocks  and  herds,  and  crops  of  waving  grains ; 
Rich  yields  of  gold  reward  the  miners'  pains 
From  rivers  in  summer  and  autumn's  rains  ; 
Gives  water  to  wash  in  winter  heaps  of  dirt, 
Thrown  from  the  dry  diggings  by  hands  expert. 
A  few  make  fortunes  in  the  mines,  and  the  rest 
Have  a  variety  of  fates,  some  not  the  best ; 
They  toil  for  gold  in  an  unproductive  claim, 
It  is  not  there,  months  of  severest  labor  vain. 
They  sink  fresh  shafts  deeper  in  the  ground, 
Try  all  the  dirt,  explore  the  cave  around, 
Perhaps  find  sufficient  their  board  to  pay, 
And  have  to  leave  fortune  for  a  better  day. 
They  quit  the  spot,  travel  to  another  part, 
Prospect  a  likely  place,  then  make  a  fresh  start. 
Romantic  toil,  the  hardest  that  man  can  find, 
Is  to  hunt  for  gold  to  body  and  the  mind  ; 
But  free  as  the  shrill  wind  and  drifting  snow, 
Where'er  they  wish  to  work'  can  easy  go, 
Breathe  purest  air,  view  most  majestic  scenes, 
Of  high  mountains  and  vale  that  intervenes  ; 


38  CALIFORNIA. 

The  torrent  dashing  through  its  rocky  bed, 
The  lofty  pine  trees'  trembling  sky-born  head  ; 
See  children  of  the  forest  wield  and  throw 
The  spear  and  whirling  arrow  from  the  bow, 
Note  near  their  cabin  tracks  of  surly  bear, 
For  food  has  left  his  distant  mountain  lair ; 
Avoid  with  quick  step  the  subtle  rattlesnake, 
Before  on  them  the  fatal  spring  he'll  make. 
The  farmer  buys  his  land,  and  sows  and  fence, 
Builds  a  house,  with  all  luxuries  dispense, 
Turns  his  cattle  to  graze  on  hills  and  plains, 
Where  rich  pasture  the  whole  year  remains  ; 
They  thrive,  and  grow  fat,  and  largely  breed, 
Stand  his  best  friend  in  the  hour  of  need. 
The  next  care  is  to  secure  the  crop  of  hay 
This  in  California  is  done  in  month  of  May ; 
Early  potatoes  are  soon  to  dig  and  sell, 
And  ripening  grains  his  purse  will  further  swell. 
He  musters  all  his  hands  to  the  groaning  field, 
Neighbours  assist  to  secure  the  heavy  yield, 
It's  threshed  on  the  spot,  to  market  sent, 
To  pay  for  seed,  improvements  which  he  spent ; 
Or  else  if  prices  rule  there  exceeding  low, 
Keeps  it  in  his  barn,  or  in  good  buildings  stow. 
The  first  year  he  has  much  to  do  and  buy, 
Many  things,  shall  his  utmost  patience  try, 
In  the  new  farm,  but  if  pursued  with  skill, 
All  troubles  fly  before  his  determined  will ; 
If  a  few  years  in  toil,  economy  be  spent, 
The  farm  improves,  and  he  becomes  independent. 
Florists  and  gardeners  flourish  in  their  trade, 
By  which  many  a  fortune  here  has  been  made. 
Delightful  and  healthy  labor,  to  plant  and  sow, 
All  vegetables,  fruits  and  flowers  that  will  grow, 
In  nature's  teeming  womb,  and  blooming  br< 
Where  man  :it  1;:  ••  sleep  :i:i«i  be  at 


CALIFORNIA.  39 

Orchards  arc  filled  with  youngest  bearing  trees 
Of  as  delicious  fruit  as  e'er  perfumed  breeze  ; 
Exquisitely  sweet  flowers  in  richness  blows, 
From  simple  heliotrope  to  the  stately  rose, 
Adorns  the  cottage  small  and  the  mansion  great, 
Above  the  reach  of  art,  yet  devoid  of  state. 
In  California's  favored  land  prolific  springs 
All  to  satisfy  the  mind,  ev'ry  pleasure  brings. 
From  her  vast  mountains  gold  is  soon  secured, 
On  her  hills  and  vales  are  good  crops  procured : 
To  her  children  she  gives  fortune,  and  health, 
Without  the  last  the  first  would  be  poor  wealth  ; 
The  merchant  here  by  industry  can  make  sure 
An  early  and  easy  competence  to  secure. 
The  workman  no  where  else  receives  such  pay 
As  in  this  country  for  labor  ev'ry  day ; 
Laborers  are  always  wanted,  can  obtain 
Employment  in  the  city,  mountain,  or  plain, 
At  good  wages  paid  the  end  of  each  week, 
Or  further  for  a  job  will  independent  seek. 
California  is  the  most  blessed  and  cursed, 
Of  all  nations  she  is  the  best  and  worst. 
Heaven  has  made  her  an  earthly  paradise  to  be, 
From  Slavery  legislators  have  declar'd  her  free  ; 
But  man  has  stained  the  soil  with  all  crimes 
Can  find  a  name  in  ancient  or  modern  times. 
All  people  point  to  her  with  loathing,  scorn, 
And  yet  bless  the  day  wherein  she  was  born. 
Wise  in  her  youth,  but  an  apathy  appears, 
Like  the  decay  of  manhood  in  older  years. 
With  lucid  counsellors  she  shows  a  lurid  page 
Of  misgovernment,  to  present  and  coming  age. 
Of  boundless  wealth  possess'd,  but  mortgaged  all 

A  /  O      O 

Her  property  to  foreign  capitalists  large  and  small : 
She  is  the  prodigy  and  wonder  of  the  earth, 
In  wealth,  magnificence,  meanness,  and  in  birth. 


40  «'AL1FORNIA. 

Her  past  career  is  one  of  glory  and  of  shame, 
Blessings  and  curses  are  mingled  with  her  name. 
And  it  is  known  where'er  the  sun  doth  shine, 
From  the  Northern  Pole  to  the  southern  line ; 
Her  future  course  shall  be  brilliant  and  good, 
If  virtue  and  true  interests  be  understood ; 
The  people  must  reform,  pay  their  debts,  be  just, 
Live  within  means,  for  future  get  little  trust ; 
Avoid  with  anxious  care  vice  of  every  kind, 
Pursue  with  patient  toil  and  thoughtful  mind  ; 
Enterprises  of  great  weight  have  no  abuses, 
Make  good  laws  and  then  remain  to  their  uses  ; 
Then  in  the  land  shall  peace  and  plenty  reign, 
Prosperity  and  happiness  gather  in  the  train  ; 
Here  trade  and  commerce  shall  grow  and  flourish, 
And  every  art  and  science  greatly  nourish. 
Divorces,  duels,  and  suicides,  no  more  shall  be, 
From  their  train  of  guilt  the  land  delivered  free ; 
Here  new  Helens  shall  arise,  and  false  as  fair, 
As  she  of  Troy  who  deceived  with  golden  hair, 
Their  charms  and  beauty  for  the  country  shall  become 
Its'bane  and  blessing,  be  saved  and  yet  undone. 


UNIVERSITY 

^LouifCKiuL 


Printed  bj  M.  WOLFE,  133  Clay  street,  San  Francisco. 


s 

BERKELEY  LIBRARIES 


